Friday

I Loved a Lass (Poem by George Wither)

The poem seems to parallel with "Greensleeves", a traditional English folk song & tune.

The term "sack", in the poem, is a wine, similar to sherry.

I Loved a Lass:

I Loved a lass, a fair one,As fair as e'er was seen;She was indeed a rare one,Another Sheba Queen:But, fool as then I was,I thought she loved me too:But now, alas! she's left me,Falero, lero, loo!

Her hair like gold did glister,Each eye was like a star,She did surpass her sister,Which pass'd all others far;She would me 'honey' call,She'd--O she'd kiss me too!But now, alas! she's left me,Falero, lero, loo!

In summer time to MedleyMy love and I would go;The boatmen there stood read'lyMy love and me to row.For cream there would we call,For cakes and for prunes too;But now, alas! she's left me,Falero, lero, loo!

Her cheeks were like the cherry,Her skin was white as snow;When she was blithe and merryShe angel-like did show;Her waist exceeding small,The fives did fit her shoe:But now, alas! she's left me,Falero, lero, loo!

In summer time or winterShe had her heart's desire;I still did scorn to stint herFrom sugar, sack, or fire;The world went round about,No cares we ever knew:But now, alas! she's left me,Falero, lero, loo!

To maidens' vows and swearingHenceforth no credit give;You may give them the hearing,But never them believe;They are as false as fair,Unconstant, frail, untrue:For mine, alas! hath left me,Falero, lero, loo!